Powerhouse Parramatta to Launch with Immersive Art Exhibitions

Powerhouse Parramatta is gearing up for its grand unveiling on November 7, showcasing a dynamic array of immersive art experiences. Highlighting a collection of over 3,000 objects from both local and international sources, the museum promises to engage visitors of all ages with its innovative exhibitions.

A standout feature will be the works of British artist Es Devlin, including the stunning "Forest of Us," a mirror maze that encourages guests to explore its light-filled corridors while contemplating the parallels between nature and human anatomy. "One of the beautiful things about the new space at Parramatta is its flexibility," said Powerhouse CEO Lisa Havilah, emphasizing the museum's capacity for large-scale installations.

Children will have their own dedicated exhibition titled "The Dark," which is designed to transform perceptions of darkness into a wondrous experience. Encased within a meteorite-like structure, this exhibit will showcase over 800 objects, including a collection of cherished items loaned by 100 children from Western Sydney. "There’s a whole room with these 100 objects, but also the stories behind each of them," Havilah noted.

Another exhibition, "Overflow," features films by Kamilaroi director Ivan Sen, focusing on Aboriginal custodianship of waterways in New South Wales. This work invites visitors to engage with the cultural practices that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability.

In addition to these immersive experiences, the opening will feature "Task Eternal," which explores humanity's quest to conquer gravity, featuring a NASA moon rock and original sketches by Leonardo da Vinci. A replica of the inaugural Qantas plane will also be on display. Another exhibition, "The Mall," will delve into the history of shopping centers, showcasing rare items from Australian fashion and the iconic jeans worn by Steve Jobs.

To make art accessible, all exhibitions will be free for visitors under 16, while a fee will apply for adults at "Task Eternal." Arts Minister John Graham emphasized the project's aim to alleviate financial barriers for families, stating, "We want to ensure that price isn’t a barrier for young people to explore the big ideas that Powerhouse Parramatta will exhibit and celebrate."

Source: www.abc.net.au